Volkswagen Quantum Reviews from North America - Page 2 of 2

1984 Volkswagen Quantum

Summary:

Faults:

Temp sensor went out at around 45K...took about 10 minutes and 10 dollars at the local parts store to replace.

The motor for the slide-back sunroof broke... replacement was too expensive at the time (broke college student) so I simply used the manual hand crank inside the control box on the ceiling.

Was totaled by the side impact of a dump-truck that ran a stop-sign. (however I can't really fault the car for that... although the fact that I'm still alive speaks wonders for the saftey factor of the car)

General Comments:

Great car... fantastically reliable. Started first time, every time... even when the temp dropped to -17 F.

It was driven hard by a broke college kid (me) and didn't receive all the maintenance it should have and still it kept running perfectly.

Headlight aiming screws cracked, it was impossible to find replacements for them. Headlights were never aimed correctly, the light beams shook all over the road whenever I hit a bump.

Very loud engine, and took a few cranks to get started.

Rusting in a few areas, mostly the front doors.

3 power window motors failed, only replaced 1 of them.

Ball joint failed at 70 mph...

_Almost_ overheats in traffic, and after idling for a long period.

Floorboards had small leaks, duct tape was useful.

Leaked oil slowly, slightly.

General Comments:

This car was very roomy despite its small size, and the seats were very comfortable. It seated five teenagers comfortably. Big trunk.

The instrument panel was very well designed, easy access to everything.

The manual transmission shifted smoothly, but not effortlessly.

The engine was strong and passing other cars wasn't hard, acceleration was reasonable.

I got close to 27 miles per gallon, but every long trip was a gamble with no working gas gauge and odometer!

Front disk brakes and rear drums had plenty of stopping power.

A ball joint failed at 70 MPH on the highway, and German engineering might have saved my life. The rotor didn't separate from the rest of the car and I was able to skid to safety. Later, I found that the same thing had happened to the other side of the car before I bought it. It was a good daily driver even after all of that trauma.

2nd Nov 2009, 19:00

1983 Volkswagen Quantum GL Wagon 1.7L I-4

Faults:

The stock alternator was weak and broke. It was replaced with a new one, and it is fine now.

The CV joints broke and were replaced; and now at 70,000, they are on the verge of breaking again.

The valve cover seal was worn out and the car leaked oil.

A few hoses from the cooling system were replaced recently.

General Comments:

The Quantum (called Passat in Europe) is an excellent car. The styling is still fresh today. The car has survived many family trips up and down the west coast. The wagon is underpowered but handles better than most other cars I've driven. The gauges are great, and the seats are very supportive. I greatly enjoy driving this wagon. I will be sad to see it go.